1940s: The United States and Japan are at war. When the war ends in 1945, Japan submits to American occupation. Some Japanese military leaders are convicted of war crimes and are hanged. Japan is given a new pacifist constitution that prevents it from going to war.

Today: Japan and the United States are close allies. In January 2004, Japan sends a small contingent of soldiers to Iraq to support the U.S.-led coalition, which marks the first time since World War II that Japan has sent troops abroad, except as part of United Nations peacekeeping operations. The Japanese troops provide humanitarian services and do not engage in combat. The Japanese government announces plans to revise Article Nine of its constitution, which bans the use of force to settle international disputes.

1940s: World events are conveyed by newspapers and radio. News still moves comparatively slowly.